Kentucky Sisterhood Tales, Part 7: NO's 6-3, 6-1 Baxter sisters

The tradition-rich North Oldham Mustangs have had a number of talented players over the years. Sisters Reagan (number 1) and [player_tooltip player_id='724992' first='Berkeley' last='Baxter'] (15) are quickly adding their names to that list. [player_tooltip player_id='212386' first='Reagan' last='Baxter'] has led North Oldham in kills the past two years while Berkeley made a serious impact this past fall.   North Oldham head coach Brian Jones said the sisters have many great qualities after returning to the North Oldham sideline in the fall. However, Jones said how well they get along truly stands out.   "I initially had concerns about having sisters so close in age on the team and how that dynamic might impact us," Jones said. "Would Berkeley show favoritism when setting for her sister? Would they argue like siblings? Fortunately, none of those worries became a reality. I believe their maturity played a significant role in preventing any of those issues."   North Oldham did have some things to figure out early last season. However, the Mustangs got rolling, especially late in the season on the way to more 29th District and 8th Region titles. North Oldham lost at Mercy in the first round of the state tournament, but the Mustangs return a number of pieces to be the region favorites again.   The Baxter sisters sat down to talk about that and other items leading into the season.   Age Started Playing Volleyball   Reagan: I started playing at eight years old.  I was interested because it was a fun, competitive thing to do with my friends.   Berkeley: I started playing volleyball around eight years old. I liked playing with my sister Reagan and loved watching (University of) Louisville Volleyball so thought it would be fun to play too.   Playing with Sister   Reagan: Berkeley and I have grown closer and it's fun to have something we are passionate about that we can do together. We are competitive with each other, which has pushed us both to be better.   Berkeley: It has been fun having a common interest with my sister.  We are always pushing each other to be better.    Handling Coordination Issues   Reagan: I was active in many different sports as a kid, it took time but I grew into my height and athletic ability.  I also had coaches that helped me develop those skills.     Berkeley: Being active in a lot of different sports when we were younger and training (has helped).   Growth during club season   Reagan: Playing along side some of the best athletes in the country helps us push ourselves and stay competitive. There is always more to learn.   Berkeley: I have great coaches and teammates to learn from. Playing in the open division is very competitive and helps push us to succeed.   North Oldham's balance   Reagan: We are able to rely on our teammates. It makes it a lot more fun and we can push each other to get better every day.   Berkeley: It is really fun to play with close friends, we support and push each other every day to be the best team we can be.    Coming together through coaching change   Reagan: The team grew to understand our new coaching staff throughout the year which made us only improve on how well we played together which led to a great post season run that we are very proud of.   Berkeley: We trusted Coach Jones and worked hard every day to get to the post season.   Making it past first round of state   Reagan: It will take a lot of hard work and communication.   Berkeley: It's about trusting in the process, communication with our coaches and teammates, training.   Dominating the net   Reagan: It's about being able to read the other team and being aggressive.   Berkeley: It's about being aggressive and studying the opposing offense.   Balancing academic, athletic and social lives   Reagan: You prioritize things that you need to get done before things you want to do.   Berkeley: Time management. We have a lot of support from our teachers, coaches and parents.   Solving team conflicts   Reagan: Communication and understanding that we are all there to play the game we love. Conflicts are going to happen, but they are not unresolvable.   Berkeley: It's about being open and understanding, communicating with one another.   Pre-Game Superstitions   Reagan: I have to wear a certain hair tie and listen to a certain song.   Berkeley: No, I don't.   Committing to Morehead State   Reagan: The coaches spent a lot of time getting to know me. I appreciate the effort they put in to make sure it was the right fit for both of us.  I am really excited to be able to play competitive volleyball close to home with great teammates and coaches.       Being the oldest of four helping with volleyball leadership   Reagan: Being the oldest of 4 siblings has taught me to be a good communicator, how to care for others, and lots of patience.   Setting   Berkeley: Knowing the other teams' players' strengths and weaknesses allows me to run an offense effectively. We watch film to better understand the offense and defense of the opposing team.    Baxter does an outstanding job using her size to her advantage. She dominates the net with her athleticism. Baxter pounds balls to different parts of the court and has great timing on her blocks. Baxter does a great job hitting around and off blockers.     Baxter gives the Mustangs amazing versatility. Baxter continues to better balls each game and practice. She sets balls away from blockers in a number of ways. Baxter mixes in setovers to give opponents something extra to consider. Baxter will have a bigger impact this year with another year of experience.    Note from the Writer   Mike Graham has been writing for Prep Dig for one year and a half and has enjoyed getting to know the volleyball scenes in both Kentucky and Ohio. 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The tradition-rich North Oldham Mustangs have had a number of talented players over the years. Sisters Reagan (number 1) and Berkeley Baxter Berkeley Baxter 6'1" | S/RS North Oldham | 2027 State KY (15) are quickly adding their names to that list. Reagan Baxter Reagan Baxter 6'3" | MB North Oldham | 2026 State KY has led North Oldham in kills the past two years while Berkeley made a serious impact this past fall.